VIKAR by Franciska ft. Maayan Davis Choreography (Official Music Video) VIKAR by Franciska ft. Maayan Davis Choreography (Official Music Video)

KOL ISHA Purim for me always represented a recognition of the smaller wins that make the biggest impact. Yes, the Jews were saved from being all killed, but there still was a war and they were deeply disliked by the surrounding nations. There was no Purim, until Queen Esther begged for it. I remember growing up learning about the stories of people who tried to celebrate Chanuka, Purim or Pesach with whatever scraps of food and supplies they had in Soviet Times and even in the concentration camps. Mindset was all they had. An idea, a belief, something to keep their minds off of starvation, survival, pain and death. It reminds me of what is going on today. I saw videos of refugees in tents singing Shabbat Songs together in the freezing cold. Holding on to whatever they can to help bring back any feeling of normalcy. Anyone outside of Ukraine can relate, because that's what we all tried to do during the covid lockdown (at least the first time around). Hearing teachers and Rabbis who are either refugees themselves or volunteering to support them - all focusing on the happiness that Purim can give us. Learning about our history and perseverance. First, I rush to judge how they can be so foolish. These people just fled their homes, heading to the unknown. But on the other hand, Purim and Shabbat is familiar and comforting. There is a program, a sense of order in the midst of chaos. Only then do I understand why it's so crucial to practice spirituality when survival is at stake. The words of the song "Vikar" are taken from a Gemara and Rashi. מסכת מגילה דף ז׳ ע״א and Esther 8:15 (Text Combination by Dr. Danielle Bloom) The verse refers to Queen Esther who goes to the sages of the time and pleads for them to highlight a day in history to commemorate the selfless life she had committed herself to for the survival of her people. She wanted the future generations to remember what she did. She said: "Make a day for me and name it for me". And they did. Sometimes, all we need to step out of our human restrictions is a fresh mindset, a belief that we're writing history and making a difference. Only then can we find the strength to survive the awesome challenges we face as humans. ............................. Kol Isha Disclaimer Voice and Dance by Women for Women A big thank you to my team: Song composed and performed by Franciska, track produced by Kibwe Luke, text/lyrics arranged by Dr. Danielle Bloom, video filmed and produced by Chris Cole, dance choreography by Maayan Davis, dancers: Maayan Davis, Abby Schwartz, Carolina Lopez, Suri Lerman and so many more who helped make this happen.